Frank Centofante

Frank Centofante, one of the pioneers of the custom knife movement, passed away in September, 2009, too soon to see his CRKT Tribute lockback line become a production reality. He began making knives in 1969. He was a co-author of the book "How To Make Folding Knives" and an immaculate craftsman. Frank served on the Board of Directors of the Knifemakers' Guild for 20 years, serving as Vice President for three years and President for eight years. He received numerous awards both nationally and internationally and was granted a U.S. Patent for Folding Knife With Secondary Locking Mechanism. He was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame and was a recipient of the Knifemakers' Guild Red Watson Memorial Friendship Award, which is the only award voted on by members of the Knifemakers' Guild. He was also a member of the Corporazione Italiana Coltellinai, and was affectionately known as the "Godfather of the Guild."